Sharing an ensemble of items

ABSTRACT

In a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having instructions embodied therein that when executed cause a computer system to perform a method for sharing an ensemble of items, access to a plurality of retail items to a user is enabled, wherein an ensemble of items is created from the retail items by the user. The ensemble of items are accessed, and the ensemble of items are shared such that the ensemble of items is able to be viewed by others.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to co-pending U.S. application Ser. No.14/508,941, filed on Oct. 7, 2014, entitled “DETERMINING PREFERENCES OFAN ENSEMBLE OF ITEMS,” by Richard Barber Ainsworth III, et al., andassigned to the assignee of the present application.

This application is related to co-pending U.S. application Ser. No.14/508,962, filed on Oct. 7, 2014, entitled “GENERATING A USER DASHBOARDASSOCIATED WITH ENSEMBLES OF RETAIL ITEMS,” by Richard Barber AinsworthIII, et al., and assigned to the assignee of the present application.

BACKGROUND

Oftentimes it is difficult for a person to select his or her ownclothing from a plurality of clothing items. For instance, the personmay not have the confidence or experience to combine various items tocreate a fashionable collection of items.

Additionally, automatic recommendations of retail items may be providedto facilitate in the generation of an ensemble of apparel items. Forexample, a user is automatically recommended to purchase a brown belt inresponse of purchasing blue jeans. However, such recommendation of abrown belt may not actually be the best fashion choice with the bluejeans.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part ofthis specification, illustrate various embodiments and, together withthe Description of Embodiments, serve to explain principles discussedbelow. The drawings referred to in this brief description of thedrawings should not be understood as being drawn to scale unlessspecifically noted.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram that illustrates an embodiment of an onlineretail system for generating and sharing of ensembles of items.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram that illustrates an embodiment of anensemble.

FIG. 2B is a block diagram that illustrates an embodiment of anensemble.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram that illustrates an embodiment of a userdashboard.

FIG. 4 depicts a flow diagram for a method for generating an ensemble ofitems, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 5 depicts a flow diagram for a method for incentivizing generationof ensembles of retail items, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 6 depicts a flow diagram for a method for determining preferencesof an ensemble of items, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 7 depicts a flow diagram for a method for retailer control ofensembles of retail items, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 8 depicts a flow diagram for a method for generating a userdashboard associated with ensembles of retail items, according tovarious embodiments.

FIG. 9 depicts a flow diagram for a method for user interaction with anensemble of items via a mobile device, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 10 depicts a flow diagram for a method for user interaction of anensemble of items, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 11 depicts a flow diagram for a method for item replacementmatching, according to various embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments, examples ofwhich are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While variousembodiments are discussed herein, it will be understood that they arenot intended to be limiting. On the contrary, the presented embodimentsare intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, whichmay be included within the spirit and scope the various embodiments asdefined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in this Description ofEmbodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to providea thorough understanding. However, embodiments may be practiced withoutone or more of these specific details. In other instances, well knownmethods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described indetail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the describedembodiments.

Example Embodiments of a Retail System

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of online shopping system or “system” 100.In general, system 100 provides for the assembling, prioritizing,analyzing and presenting of ensembles of items (e.g., retail items)based on user-input and analysis of the user-input. More specifically,system 100 provides, among other things, the creation of ensembles ofitems (e.g., retail items) by users and posting/sharing of the ensemblessuch that others can view the ensembles. The posting/sharing of usercreated ensembles provides unaided brand awareness to the items in theensembles.

Retailer 110 implements online shopping system 100. Retailer 110 (e.g.,J. Crew, Talbots, Macy's, etc.) is any retailer that provides goods(e.g., apparel, accessories) for sale via online shopping system 100and/or via brick and mortar stores.

Retailer 110 provides retail items 112 for sale to customers. Retailitems 112 can be but are not limited to, clothing, shoes, glasses, hats,jewelry, accessories, etc. In various embodiments, retail items 112 areitems of a retail collection or fashion/clothing line provided byretailer 110.

Retail items 112, such as apparel, in one embodiment, are provided by asingle retailer (e.g., Victoria's Secret, J. Crew, etc.).

Retail items 112 are able to be viewed by users 150 via a website ofretailer 110.

Example Embodiments of Ensembles of Retail Items

Ensembles 120 of retail items 112 are generated, by users 150, viasystem 100. In general, an ensemble is a set of retail items 112 (e.g.,apparel and accessories, home furnishings, make-up, etc.) that are worntogether.

Ensembles 120 may include an ensemble of home furnishings. For instance,retail items 112 includes home furnishings such as but not limited tocouches, tables, lamps, etc. A user may then generate an ensemble ofhome furnishings based on viewing the various home furnishings.

Ensembles 120 may also include make-up (or cosmetic supplies). Forinstance, retail items 112 includes various cosmetic products such asbut not limited to, foundation, mascara, eye liner, lipstick, etc. Auser may then generate an ensemble of cosmetic supplies. In such anexample, a generic face is used as a canvas and the user applies variouscombinations of cosmetic products on the canvas to create an ensemble ofcosmetic products.

Ensembles 120 include ensemble 120-1 through ensemble 120-n. Ensemble120-1 generated by user 152 may be inspiration to other ensembles. Forexample, ensembles 121-1 through 121-n are inspired by ensemble 120-n,and may be considered a child ensemble to the parent ensemble 120-1. Thechild ensembles may be generated by user 152 who created ensemble 120-1or may be created by other users, such as user 154.

FIG. 2A depicts an embodiment of ensemble 200A. Ensemble 200A iscreated, for example, by user 152, from retail items 112. As depicted,ensemble 200A includes belt 202, pants 204, shoes 206A, shirt 208A,necklace 210A, glasses 212, and handbag 214.

It should be appreciated that ensemble 200A is a collection ofcoordinated items that are fashionable and desirable for purchase byothers. The ensemble typically includes colors, styles, patterns,materials, etc., and a combination thereof, that are currentlyfashionable and desirable to be worn by others.

FIG. 2B depicts an embodiment of ensemble 200B that is collection ofretail items 112. Ensemble 200B is similar to ensemble 200A. However,ensemble 200B includes shoes 206B, shirt 208B, and necklace 210B.Moreover, unlike ensemble 200A, ensemble 200B does not include a handbagor glasses.

In one embodiment, ensemble 200A is a parent ensemble and ensemble 200Bis a child ensemble. For example, user 152 created ensemble 200A. User154 viewed ensemble 200A and was inspired by ensemble 200A to createensemble 200B.

Ensembles 120, once created can be stored, for example, in storage 160.

Ensembles 120, in one embodiment, can be posted on a retail website suchthat the ensembles may be viewed by users 150. For example, ensemble120-1 is created in a retail website (e.g., J. Crew) and is subsequentlyposted on the website such that users 150 can view ensemble 120-1.

It should be appreciated that the ensembles can be created by a user viathe retailer website and subsequently viewed by others via the retailerecommerce website. Additionally, the ensemble can be created by a uservia a gateway associated with or embedded in the retailer ecommercewebsite. The gateway associated with the retailer website may be anonline shopping system (or website) that facilitates in the display,selection, checkout and purchasing of retail items of the retailer.

Ensembles 120, in another embodiment, can be posted on social network140 (e.g., Facebook, Pinterest, etc.) such that the ensembles may beviewed via the social network. For example, ensemble 120-1 is created ina retail website (e.g., J. Crew) and is subsequently posted on socialnetwork 140 such that users 150 can view ensemble 120-1 via socialnetwork 140. The users who view the ensemble on the social network maybe associated (e.g., linked, connected, networked, friends, etc.) withthe user who posted the ensemble on the social network.

The ensemble may be posted on the social network by the creator of theensemble or may be posted by another person.

In various embodiments, ensembles may be presented by various means. Forexample, ensembles could be viewed by others in a printed catalog,presented to others in a fashion show, posted on signage (e.g., digitalsignage), or projected onto a screen (e.g. a wall or window at a retailstore).

Example Embodiments of Tracking User Activity Associated with Ensembles

User activity pertaining to the ensembles is tracked, for example, byuser activity module 130.

User activity module 130 facilitates the tracking of user activityassociated with various ensembles. In one embodiment, the ensembles areable to be recommended. For example, ensemble 121-1 is posted on theretail website and on Facebook. Viewers of ensemble 121-1 are able torecommend the ensemble or show their interest in the ensemble by“liking” the ensemble.

Various user activities may suggest preferences and/or interest in anensemble. For instance, the length of time an ensemble is viewed and/orthe number of views (or repetitions) of the ensemble indicates theinterest/curiosity of a viewer in the viewed ensemble.

Prioritizing and presenting of ensembles may be facilitated by colorselection. For example, a user may request to see retail items and/orensembles with the color blue. A pixel analyzer then analyzes theavailable retail items/ensembles with the color blue. Each imageassociated with the retail items/ensembles with the color blue is thenpresented and/or prioritized to the viewer based on the blue colorselection.

Prioritizing and presenting of ensembles, in one embodiment, may befacilitated by theme. For example, each of the retail items/ensemblesare tagged with descriptions or themes (e.g., beach wear, formal wear,business attire, etc.). A user may then request to view retailitems/ensembles based on selected theme. As a result, each retail itemand/or ensemble having a tag that matches the selected theme by the useris presented (e.g., ranked or sorted) based on the user selected theme.

Additionally, a viewer of the ensemble may post comments about theensemble and such comments can also be liked by other users.

In various embodiments, the number of views of the ensemble or purchasesof the ensemble may also be tracked by user activity module.

User activity module 130 may also track the number of child ensemblesthat are created from a parent ensemble.

Example Embodiments of a Points/Rewards System Associated with Ensembles

Various points and/or rewards are provided to the creators of theensembles, as will be discussed in further detail below. Thepoints/rewards, accounted by rewards module 132, incentivizes creationof quality and desired ensembles. The points/rewards may be based on thetracked user activity of the various ensembles.

In one embodiment, retailer 110 employs a points system based on varioususer activities associated with an ensemble. The points system mayinclude various factors that increase the point values. For example, thepoint system may provide one point for each view of an ensemble, twopoints if an ensemble is “liked,” fifty points if an ensemble ispurchased, etc.

In another embodiment, a hierarchical or pyramid point scheme isemployed. For example, user 152 creates parent ensemble 120-1 and user154 modifies ensemble 120-1 to create ensemble 121-1. User 154 receivespoints for user activity associated with ensemble 121-1 (e.g., pointsfor views, “likes”, purchases, etc.). Moreover, user 152 also receivesfractions of points for the user activity associated with ensemble 121-1because user 152 created the parent ensemble 120-1.

In various embodiments, point multipliers may be obtained. For example,if an ensemble is viewed a pre-determined number of times or ispurchased a pre-determined number of times, then the creator of theensemble receives twice as many points per user activity (e.g., views,“likes”, purchases, etc.).

A creator of an ensemble may also obtain digital badges pertaining touser activity associated with the ensemble. The badges may indicate thefavorability, quality, popularity of the ensemble.

In one embodiment, a creator of an ensemble may be rewarded by gainingearly access to subsequent clothing lines. The sooner a user is able toview new items in a clothing line the sooner ensembles may be created.As a result, the user has the ability to create ensembles sooner thanothers and subsequently increase the opportunity to earn points.

A user may be rewarded with early access to clothing lines in variousways. In one embodiment, early access to clothing lines is based on auser's loyalty level in the retailer's loyalty program. For example, ifa user obtains a “high tier” loyalty level then the early access isobtained. The user may increase loyalty levels based on the user's usageof the retailer's black label credit card.

In such an embodiment, user's having a lower loyalty levels may view theclothing lines, but may not be able to create ensembles. For example,the clothing lines may be “grayed out” such that the lower loyalty levelusers may not have permission to create ensembles.

In another embodiment, early access to clothing lines is obtained byearning a required amount of points in the points system, as describedabove.

Example Embodiments of Progressive Discounting of Ensembles

In various embodiments, progressive discounting of ensembles may beemployed. For example, a retailer may employ a pricing scheme wherein ifa user purchases three items in an ensemble, then a discount (e.g., 10%off) is provided for additional purchased items in the ensemble. Thisresults in pricing fairness wherein the net price of an ensemble may bealigned with transaction economics.

Example Embodiments of Capturing Preference Data of Ensembles

User activity associated with an ensemble may provide preference data ofthe ensemble of items. That is, preferences to an ensemble, as a whole,or preferences to individual items in an ensemble may be obtained by aretailer based on user activity with the ensemble of items.

As described above, user activity module 130 tracks and determines useractivity associated with an ensemble. Such user activity can be, but isnot limited to views of an ensemble, likes of an ensemble, likes ofindividual items in an ensemble, purchases, etc.

Based on such user activity, in one embodiment, ensemble preference datamodule 134 determines various preferences associated with an ensemble.For example, if ensemble 200A is a high ranked ensemble to otherensembles, then it can be determined that users or potential customershave a preference for ensemble 200A than other ensembles.

In another example, pants 204 and shoes 206B of ensemble 200B have ahigh number of “likes” as compared to other items in other ensembles. Assuch, it can be determined that users or potential customers have apreference for pants 204 and shoes 206B, alone or in combination.

Preference attributes can be, but are not limited to, size, color,patterns, materials, etc., or a combination thereof.

Additionally, the preference information can be obtained by the retailerprior to information associated with actual purchases of the ensemblesand/or items. Accordingly, a retailer may determine which ensemblesand/or items are popular or have preferential attributes with potentialcustomers.

Example Embodiments of Controlling Ensembles by a Retailer

Some of ensembles 120 may be less desirable than others. For instance,some ensembles may be poorly created with little or no sense of fashionor may be disingenuously created. In such cases, a retailer desires thatsuch ensembles are not “surfaced” or that such ensembles are given a lowpriority than other more fashionable and desirable ensembles.

Accordingly, retailer 110 has at least some control over how an ensembleis “surfaced” or displayed and/or how the ensembles are prioritized withrespect to one another. In other words, the retailer may override usercreated ensembles or has greater priority regardingdisplaying/prioritizing ensembles than general viewers/creators of theensembles. For example, retailer 110 has a “super like” that has a valuegreater than a typical “like” provided by a user. In such an example, ifan undesirable ensemble (e.g., ensemble 121-1) has more likes than amore desirable ensemble (e.g., ensemble 120-n), then retailer 110 mayincrease the priority of the more desirable ensemble over theundesirable ensemble by the “super like.” The control of the ensemblemay be provided via user instructions from the retailer or may beprovided automatically via ensemble control module 136.

Example Embodiments of a Dashboard

As users 150 peruse through ensembles 120, various user activities aretracked by user activity module 130. At least some of the useractivities are stored in storage 160. For example, user activities suchas likes, transaction data (e.g., purchases), created ensembles and thelike are stored.

A user's activities may be displayed in a digital portal such as a userdashboard. For example, dashboard 131 is a portal that displays useractivities of user 152.

FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of dashboard 300. Dashboard 300 displays toa user, user activity 310, rewards 320 and various ensembles (e.g.,ensemble 302, ensemble 304, and ensemble 306).

User activity 310 can be, but is not limited to, number likes, ensemblesliked, number of views, ensembles viewed, etc. In one embodiment, anyensemble that the user “liked” is automatically bookmarked for accessvia dashboard 300.

Rewards 320, can be, but are not limited to, number of points earned bythe user, number of points needed to reach various goals (e.g., earlyaccess to ensembles), rewards (e.g., early access to ensembles), and thelike.

The ensembles displayed in dashboard 300 may be the ensembles that theuser created and/or ensembles that the user viewed, liked, purchased,etc.

It should be appreciated that dashboard 300 includes any informationrelated to user activity pertaining to ensembles 120.

Dashboard 300 may be primarily used by a user. That is, dashboard 300 isa dashboard for a user who creates and/or views ensembles. Dashboard 300may be for a retailer. That is, dashboard 300 is primarily for the useof a retailer such that the retailer can view various ensembles and useractivities related to such ensembles.

Example Embodiments of a User Activity Via a Mobile Device

A user may interact with an ensemble via a mobile device. For example,user 152 accesses ensemble 120-1 via a mobile device. In such anexample, the user receives push data (e.g., text, social networkpostings such as tweets) that includes an ensemble and the ensemble isdisplayed on the mobile device.

Various user activities may be employed via the mobile device. Forexample, the user can view, like, comment on, and/or purchase theensemble via the mobile device. In one embodiment, the user purchasesthe ensemble via the mobile device and the ensemble is automaticallyshipped to the user.

Example Embodiments of a User Interaction with an Ensemble

As described above, user activity may be automatically stored in storage160. System 100, in one embodiment, is a cloud environment such thatuser activities stored in storage 160 may be accessed from variouslocations and/or devices.

For example, a user views dashboard 131 via a first device (e.g.,personal computer, laptop, tablet, smart phone, etc.).

Additionally, for example, user activity or dashboard 131 stored instorage 160 may be accessed via a device, such as a kiosk, at abrick-and-mortar store of retailer 110. In such an example, a storeemployee may access the “retail cloud” and assist the user based on theaccessed user activity (e.g., viewed ensembles, liked ensembles,purchased ensembles, etc.).

Example Embodiments of Item Replacement Matching

In some instances, one or more items in an ensemble become out of stockand are unavailable for purchase. When an item in an ensemble isunavailable the ensemble, as a whole, is unavailable. Rather thanrestock the out of stock item, the retailer, in various embodiments,replaces the out of stock item with a new similar item.

The retailer may replace the out of stock item and/or the associatedassemble by various methods. For instance, referring to FIG. 2A, ifpants 204 (of ensemble 200A) are out of stock then pants 204 andensemble 200A are unavailable.

A replacement item (e.g., replacement pants) to pants 204 may beprovided. The replacement item may be included within ensemble 200A. Thereplacement item, in one embodiment, may be introduced in a new ensemblethat is similar to ensemble 200A.

Various analyses may be provided to generate the replacement item. Forexample, if pants 204 are unavailable for purchase, then user activityassociated with pants 204 is accessed and analyzed. The informationrelated to the user activity may be, but is not limited to, purchasedata, number of likes, user comments, etc.

In view of the analyzed user activity information, a replacement itemthat is similar to the unavailable item is created and presented tousers to peruse, purchase, or utilize to build other ensembles.

Additionally, a color palette analysis may be performed on theunavailable item. For example, if the color palette of the unavailableitem includes blue and red, then the replacement item may include acolor palette that is similar to the unavailable item.

Example Methods of Operation

The following discussion sets forth in detail the operation of someexample methods of operation of embodiments. With reference to FIGS.4-11, flow diagrams 400-1100 illustrate example procedures used byvarious embodiments. Flow diagrams 400-1100 include some proceduresthat, in various embodiments, are carried out by a processor under thecontrol of computer-readable and computer-executable instructions. Inthis fashion, procedures described herein and in conjunction with flowdiagrams 400-1100 are, or may be, implemented using a computer, invarious embodiments. The computer-readable and computer-executableinstructions can reside in any tangible computer readable storage media.Some non-limiting examples of tangible computer readable storage mediainclude random access memory, read only memory, magnetic disks, solidstate drives/“disks,” and optical disks, any or all of which may beemployed with computer environments and/or cloud environments. Thecomputer-readable and computer-executable instructions, which reside ontangible computer readable storage media, are used to control or operatein conjunction with, for example, one or some combination of processorsof the computer environments and/or cloud environment. It is appreciatedthat the processor(s) may be physical or virtual or some combination (itshould also be appreciated that a virtual processor is implemented onphysical hardware). Although specific procedures are disclosed in flowdiagrams 400-1100, such procedures are examples. That is, embodimentsare well suited to performing various other procedures or variations ofthe procedures recited in flow diagrams 400-1100. Likewise, in someembodiments, the procedures in flow diagrams 400-1100 may be performedin an order different than presented and/or not all of the proceduresdescribed in one or more of these flow diagrams may be performed. It isfurther appreciated that procedures described in flow diagrams 400-1100may be implemented in hardware, or a combination of hardware withfirmware and/or software.

FIG. 4 depicts a process flow diagram 400 for a method for generating anensemble of items, according to various embodiments.

At 410, access to a plurality of retail items is enabled to a user,wherein an ensemble of items is created from said retail items by theuser. For example, user 152 views retail items 112 on a website ofretailer 110 via device 170 (e.g., mobile device, desktop computer,etc.). User 152 then generates ensemble 200A comprising a subset ofretail items 112.

At 420, the ensemble of items is accessed. For example, ensemble 200Acreated by user 152 is stored in storage 160. System 100 is then able toaccess the crated ensemble for subsequent sharing, as described below.

At 430, the ensemble of items is shared such that the ensemble of itemsis able to be viewed by others. Upon creation of ensemble 200A, theensemble is shared such that other users (e.g., users 150) are able toview ensemble 200A.

At 432, in one embodiment, the ensemble of items is posted on a retailerwebsite. For example, the user creates the ensemble on the retailerwebsite and subsequently posts the ensemble such that is publiclyviewable.

At 434, in another embodiment, the ensemble of items is posted on asocial network. For example, the user creates the ensemble on the userwebsite and subsequently posts the ensemble on social network 140 suchthat is viewable by friends of user 152 on the social network. Theensemble may also be publicly posted on the social network.

At 440, recommendation of the ensemble of items is enabled. For example,viewers of ensemble 200A are able to “like” the ensemble or postcomments to the shared ensemble.

At 450, a creator of the ensemble of items is rewarded. For example,user activity module 130 tracks the user activity of ensemble 200A. Ifthe ensemble receives a pre-determined number of views or likes, thenrewards module 132 rewards the user 152 with various rewards, such asearly or priority access to future lines of apparel.

At 460, generation of ensembles of the plurality of items isincentivized. For example, the creator of the ensemble receives pointsfor each view of an ensemble. If the creator receives a number ofpoints, then the creator may receive various rewards, such as earlyaccess to lines of apparel. As a result, the user has incentive tocreate quality and popular ensembles.

At 470, purchase of the ensemble of items is incentivized. For example,a retailer may employ a pricing scheme wherein if a user purchases threeitems in an ensemble, then a discount (e.g., 10% off) is provided foradditional purchased items in the ensemble.

It is noted that any of the procedures, stated above, regarding flowdiagram 400 may be implemented in hardware, or a combination of hardwarewith firmware and/or software. For example, any of the procedures areimplemented by a processor(s) of a cloud environment and/or a computingenvironment.

FIG. 5 depicts a process flow diagram 500 for a method for incentivizinggeneration of ensembles of retail items, according to variousembodiments.

At 510, an ensemble of retail items of a plurality of retail items isgenerated based on user input. For example, user 152 creates ensemble120-1 via the website of retailer 110. In particular, user 152 viewsretail items 112 and select particular items of retail items 112 tocreate a coordinated collection of items (i.e., an ensemble).

At 520, the ensemble of retail items is shared such that the ensemble ofretail items is able to be viewed by others. For example, ensemble 120-1is created on a retailer's website and subsequently shared such thatothers (e.g., users 150) are able to view the ensemble.

At 522, in one embodiment, the ensemble of items is posted on a retailerwebsite. For example, the user creates the ensemble on the retailerwebsite and subsequently posts the ensemble such that is publiclyviewable.

At 524, in another embodiment, the ensemble of items is posted on asocial network. For example, the user creates the ensemble on the userwebsite and subsequently posts the ensemble on social network 140 suchthat is viewable by friends of user 152 on the social network. Theensemble may also be publicly posted on the social network.

At 530, additional generation of ensembles of retail items isincentivized. For example, the creator of the ensemble receives pointsfor each view of an ensemble. If the creator receives a number ofpoints, then the creator may receive various rewards, such as earlyaccess to lines of apparel. As a result, the user has incentive tocreate quality and popular ensembles.

At 532, in one embodiment, rewards are provided to a creator of theensemble of retail items based on user interaction with the ensemble ofretail items. For example, a creator of an ensemble earns points forevery view of the ensemble. If the creator earns a requisite number ofpoints then the creator may receive various rewards, such as earlyaccess to subsequent lines of apparel.

At 534, in another embodiment, rewards are provided to a creator of theensemble of retail items when the ensemble of retail items is a parentensemble to subsequently created ensembles of retail items. For example,ensemble 200A is a parent ensemble to ensemble 200B, as described above.As a result, the creator of ensemble 200A receives fractions of pointsfor every point that is attributed to ensemble 200B.

At 540, recommendations of the ensemble of retail items are tracked. Forexample, user activity module 130 tracks recommendations (e.g., “likes”)for ensembles 120.

It is noted that any of the procedures, stated above, regarding flowdiagram 500 may be implemented in hardware, or a combination of hardwarewith firmware and/or software. For example, any of the procedures areimplemented by a processor(s) of a cloud environment and/or a computingenvironment.

FIG. 6 depicts a process flow diagram 600 for a method for determiningpreferences of an ensemble of items, according to various embodiments.

At 610, an ensemble of items is accessed, wherein the ensemble is usercreated, and wherein the ensemble of items is shared such that theensemble of items is viewed by others. For example, users 150 accessensembles 120 to view the ensembles.

At 620, user activity associated with the ensemble of items is tracked.For example, user activity module 130 tracks the user activity of users150 that view ensembles 120.

At 630, preference information of the ensemble of items is determinedbased on the tracked user interaction. For example, ensemble preferencedata module 134 determines preferences of ensembles based on the useractivity of users 150 view the ensembles. More specifically, preferencesof ensembles may be determined based on how many views or likes of anensemble.

At 640, the ensemble of items is posted on a website. For example, theuser creates the ensemble on the retailer ecommerce website andsubsequently posts the ensemble such that is publicly viewable on theretailer ecommerce website.

At 650, the ensemble of items is posted on a social network. Forexample, the user creates the ensemble on the user website andsubsequently posts the ensemble on social network 140 such that isviewable by friends of user 152 on the social network. The ensemble mayalso be publicly posted on the social network.

At 660, purchase of the ensemble of items is incentivized. For example,a retailer may employ a pricing scheme wherein if a user purchases threeitems in an ensemble, then a discount (e.g., 10% off) is provided foradditional purchased items in the ensemble.

At 670, the ensemble of items is controlled by a retailer. For example,retailer 110 limits the visibility of a poorly created ensemble having alow sense of fashion and that is not desirable by others.

It is noted that any of the procedures, stated above, regarding flowdiagram 600 may be implemented in hardware, or a combination of hardwarewith firmware and/or software. For example, any of the procedures areimplemented by a processor(s) of a cloud environment and/or a computingenvironment.

FIG. 7 depicts a process flow diagram 700 for a method for retailercontrol of ensembles of retail items according to various embodiments.

At 710, ensembles of retail items are accessed, wherein the retail itemsare provided by a retailer, and wherein the ensembles of retail itemsare created by entities other than the retailer. For example, ensembles120 are accessed by retailer 110 such that the retailer is aware of theensembles created on its website.

At 720, the ensembles of retail items are controlled by the retailer.For example, retailer 110 limits the user visibility or awareness of apoorly created ensemble having a low sense of fashion and that is notdesirable by others.

At 722, recommendations of the ensembles are controlled. For example,retailer 110 may limit the number of likes of an undesirable ensemble.

At 724, display of the ensembles is controlled. For example, retailer110 may not allow an undesirable ensemble to be displayed.

At 726, recommendation significance is provided to the retailer that ishigher than a recommendation significance to other viewers of theensembles. For example, retailer 110 may have a “super like” that is tentimes the value of a conventional “like” provided by a user. As such,the retailer may significantly increase the recommendations of desirableensembles over undesirable ensembles.

At 728, rankings of the ensembles are controlled with respect to eachother. For example, if an undesirable ensemble is ranked higher thanmore desirable ensembles, then the retailer may automatically lower therankings of the undesirable ensemble such that it has less prominence.

At 730, purchase of the ensemble of items is incentivized. For example,a retailer may employ a pricing scheme wherein if a user purchases threeitems in an ensemble, then a discount (e.g., 10% off) is provided foradditional purchased items in the ensemble.

It is noted that any of the procedures, stated above, regarding flowdiagram 700 may be implemented in hardware, or a combination of hardwarewith firmware and/or software. For example, any of the procedures areimplemented by a processor(s) of a cloud environment and/or a computingenvironment.

FIG. 8 depicts a process flow diagram 800 for a method for generating auser dashboard associated with ensembles of retail items, according tovarious embodiments.

At 810, user activity associated with ensembles of retail items isaccessed. For example, user activity obtained by user activity module130 is stored in storage 160 and subsequently accessed from storage 160.

At 820, a user dashboard is generated for displaying the ensembles ofretail items associated with the user activity. For example, dashboard300 is created that displays various attributes of user activity, suchas the ensembles the user created, ensembles liked, etc.

At 830, the user activity associated with the ensembles is automaticallystored. For example, user activity obtained by user activity module 130is automatically stored in storage 160.

It is noted that any of the procedures, stated above, regarding flowdiagram 800 may be implemented in hardware, or a combination of hardwarewith firmware and/or software. For example, any of the procedures areimplemented by a processor(s) of a cloud environment and/or a computingenvironment.

FIG. 9 depicts a process flow diagram 900 for a method for userinteraction with an ensemble of items via a mobile device, according tovarious embodiments.

At 910, an ensemble of retail items is accessed via a mobile device. Forexample, ensemble 200A is accessed via a smart phone of user 152.

At 912, in one embodiment, a text message comprising the ensemble isreceived. For example, user 154 sends user 152 a text that includesensemble 200A that was created by user 154.

At 920, the ensemble is displayed on the mobile device. For instance,ensemble 200A sent as a text to user 152 is displayed on the mobiledevice of user 152.

At 930, user input is received at the mobile device that associated witha recommendation of the ensemble. For example, ensemble 200A isdisplayed on device 170, user 152 views the ensemble on device 170 and“likes” the ensemble via device 170.

At 940, user input is received to purchase the ensemble via the mobiledevice. For example, ensemble 200A is displayed on device 170. User 152views the ensemble on device 170 and purchases the ensemble via device170.

It is noted that any of the procedures, stated above, regarding flowdiagram 900 may be implemented in hardware, or a combination of hardwarewith firmware and/or software. For example, any of the procedures areimplemented by a processor(s) of a cloud environment and/or a computingenvironment.

FIG. 10 depicts a process flow diagram 1000 for a method for userinteraction of an ensemble of items, according to various embodiments.

At 1010, an ensemble of items is accessed at a computing device from acloud computing environment. For example, system 100 is a cloudenvironment. As such, ensembles 120, for example, stored in storage 160,are able to be accessed from various devices, such as device 170.

At 1012, in one embodiment, user dashboard 300 is accessed thatcomprises ensembles 302, 304 and 306 which are “liked” by the user.

At 1020, the ensemble is displayed at the computing device. For example,dashboard 300 is displayed that includes various ensembles associatedwith user activity of the user.

At 1030, user interaction with the ensemble is enabled at the computingdevice. For example, dashboard 300 is displayed at a kiosk at a retailstore. As such, the user and/or employee at the retail store may viewand/or interact with dashboard 300.

It is noted that any of the procedures, stated above, regarding flowdiagram 1000 may be implemented in hardware, or a combination ofhardware with firmware and/or software. For example, any of theprocedures are implemented by a processor(s) of a cloud environmentand/or a computing environment.

FIG. 11 depicts a process flow diagram 1100 for a method for replacementitem matching, according to various embodiments.

At 1110, an item in an ensemble of items is determined to be unavailablefor purchase. For example, pants 204 of ensemble 200A is out of stockand unavailable for purchase.

At 1120, user activity associated with the item is analyzed. Forexample, user activity such as, purchase data, the number of view,amount of time viewed, and number of likes are analyzed with respect topants 204 that are out of stock.

At 1130, a replacement item similar to the item that is unavailable forpurchase is presented, wherein the replacement item is generated based,in part, on the analyzing. For example, a replacement pants for pants204 is displayed to users. The replacement pants are similar to pants204. Additionally, the creation of the replacement pants is based, atleast in part, on various user activity information (e.g., purchasedata, the number of view, amount of time viewed, and number of likes).

At 1140, a color palette analysis of the item is performed, wherein thereplacement item is generated based, in part, on the color paletteanalysis. For instance, pants 204 that are out of stock includes ayellow and red color. The color palette analysis determines theparticular yellow and red color of pants 204. The colors obtained in thecolor palette analysis are utilized in the creation of the newreplacement pants.

Example embodiments of the subject matter are thus described. Althoughvarious embodiments of the have been described in a language specific tofeatures and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that theappended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features oracts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts describedabove are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims andtheir equivalents. Moreover, examples and embodiments described hereinmay be implemented alone or in various combinations with one another.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium having instructions embodied therein that when executed cause acomputer system to perform a method for sharing an ensemble of items,the method comprising: enabling access to a plurality of retail items ona retailer website; displaying, on a display of said computer system,the plurality of retail items; creating an ensemble of retail items, theensemble of retail items created from at least two of said plurality ofretail items, said ensemble of retail items created by input received,at an input device of the computer system, from an ensemble creator;sharing said ensemble of retail items such that said ensemble of retailitems is able to be viewed by others; tracking a number of interactivemetrics about said ensemble of retail items, the number of interactivemetrics generated by actions of the others, the number of interactivemetrics, by the others, including: a number of views of the ensemble ofretail items, a number of likes of the ensemble of retail items, and anumber of recommendations of the ensemble of retail items; assigning apoint value for each of said interactive metrics; determining a totalpoint value for said ensemble of retail items; and providing, via thecomputer system, a reward to said ensemble creator when said total pointvalue for said ensemble of retail items exceeds a reward threshold andwhen said ensemble of retail items is a parent ensemble to subsequentlycreated ensembles of retail items.
 2. The non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein each of saidplurality of retail items are provided by a single brand name.
 3. Thenon-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 1, furthercomprising: storing said ensemble of retail items.
 4. The non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein said sharing saidensemble of retail items further comprises: posting said ensemble ofretail items on a website.
 5. The non-transitory computer-readablestorage medium of claim 1, wherein said sharing said ensemble of retailitems further comprises: posting said ensemble of retail items on asocial network.
 6. The non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumof claim 1, further comprising: incentivizing purchase of said ensembleof retail items.
 7. The non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumof claim 1, wherein said plurality of retail items is selected from agroup of: clothing and accessories.
 8. A computer-implemented method forincentivizing generation of ensembles of retail items, saidcomputer-implemented method comprising: accessing, by a computingdevice, a plurality of retail items on a retailer website; displaying,on a display of said computing device, the plurality of retail items;creating, via the computing device, an ensemble of retail items, saidensemble of retail items created from at least two of the plurality ofretail items, said ensemble of retail items created by input received,at an input device of the computing device, from an ensemble creator;sharing, via the computing device, said ensemble of retail items suchthat said ensemble of retail items is able to be viewed by others;tracking, via the computing device, a number of interactive metricsabout said ensemble of retail items, the number of interactive metricsgenerated by actions of the others, the number of interactive metrics,by the others, including: a number of views of the ensemble of retailitems, a number of likes of the ensemble of retail items, and a numberof recommendations of the ensemble of retail items; assigning, via thecomputing device, a point value for each of said interactive metrics;determining, via the computing device, a total point value for saidensemble of retail items; and providing, via the computing device, areward to said ensemble creator when said total point value for saidensemble of retail items exceeds a reward threshold and when saidensemble of retail items is a parent ensemble to subsequently createdensembles of retail items.
 9. The computer-implemented method of claim8, further comprising: providing priority access to other plurality ofretail items to the ensemble creator.
 10. The computer-implementedmethod of claim 8, wherein each of said plurality of retail items areprovided by a single brand name.
 11. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 8, wherein said plurality of retail items is selected from a groupof: clothing and accessories.
 12. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 8, wherein said sharing said ensemble of retail items furthercomprises: posting said ensemble of retail items on the retailerwebsite.
 13. The computer-implemented method of claim 8, wherein saidsharing said ensemble of retail items further comprises: posting saidensemble of retail items on a social network.